In a significant counter-terrorism victory, a complex, multi-agency operation has successfully dismantled an international terror module allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The coordinated crackdown involved central security agencies, along with police forces from Haryana and Delhi, and multiple intelligence units.
Gurdaspur Attack Triggered Major Investigation
The operation gained momentum following a hand grenade attack on the Gurdaspur City police station on November 25. This incident triggered an extensive and wide-ranging investigation across jurisdictions. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Border range, Sandeep Goel, confirmed the series of arrests, hailing it as a major breakthrough against forces attempting to destabilise Punjab and other Indian states.
The probe uncovered a core conspiracy driven by two pivotal figures. The mastermind was identified as Pakistan-based, ISI-sponsored terrorist handler Shehzad Bhatti. His key local collaborator in India was Zeshan Akhtar, based in Jalandhar Rural. Together, they had established a terror network with the explicit aim of disrupting law and order and fracturing communal harmony across India.
Network Strategy and Recruitment Exposed
Investigators found that the module recruited Amandeep, alias 'Anu', a resident of Gurdaspur. Amandeep had illegally migrated to the United States two to three years ago via the infamous "donkey route." Acting on direct instructions from the ISI, he began recruiting foot soldiers within India from abroad.
The module's primary strategy was chilling in its simplicity and intent: to execute a series of grenade attacks on government institutions and police stations to trigger widespread panic. The attack on the Gurdaspur police station was merely the first step in a "well-planned conspiracy", with subsequent attacks scheduled to occur every four to five days.
Wider Network Unraveled, Major Haul of Grenades
Parallel investigations led to further arrests, exposing the network's deeper domestic structure. The arrests of Gurdit Singh from Gurdaspur and Pardeep from Hoshiarpur revealed more layers of the cell. Another cell involving Hargun from Zira and Vijay Prajapati from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, was also uncovered, with special teams pursuing a third accomplice. Delhi Police played a crucial role by arresting key associates linked to the conspiracy in the national capital.
The operation reached a critical point during a confrontation on the Gurdaspur–Mukerian road, where police intercepted terrorists. After an exchange of fire, Naveen and Pushp, both from Talwara in Hoshiarpur, were arrested. The seizure from this encounter was massive: security forces recovered and defused 386 Chinese-made hand grenades from the scene.
The multi-jurisdictional collaboration continues its efforts to fully neutralise the terror network, pursuing all leads to ensure complete eradication of the threat. This operation underscores the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding national security.
